Vincent Kompany has claimed that Manchester City were "forced" to buy again this summer to ensure they can fight to retain their Premier League title.
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The 2013-14 English champions -- who spent heavily in past years -- were punished by UEFA in May for breaching financial fair play (FFP) regulations, with the club agreeing to pay 60 million euros and have their Champions League squad reduced from 25 to 21 players.
But they invested again by paying out 50 million pounds to bring centre-back Eliaquim Mangala, goalkeeper Willy Caballero and midfielders Fernando and Bruno Zuculini, while right-back Bacary Sagna arrived on a free transfer and Frank Lampard was loaned from New York City FC.
However, captain Kompany told France Football: "The summer reinforcements? People should see that as logical for a team like us, to get reinforcements every year.
"We are forced to. That is a fact. Joleon Lescott is leaving? We must get reinforcements for that position. Javi Garcia is leaving us? We have to add a player in that position."
City also sold midfielder Jack Rodwell, released goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon and loaned out right-back Micah Richards and striker Alvaro Negredo as they recouped money with the players departing the Etihad Stadium.
Defender Kompany and last season's top scorers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko were among six City players to sign long-term contract extensions in the summer, and the 28-year-old believes this sends a message to their rivals.
"To me the most important thing was not that I signed, but that I saw David Silva, Samir Nasri and Aleksandar Kolarov doing the same," the Belgian added.
"That was a strong signal. All of those players could play for the top teams in the world, but they have decided to show faith in City and the project at the club.
"Personally, I have a very strong relationship with the club, so the decision to extend my stay was easy. I am looking to the future."
Meanwhile, Dzeko added: "As far as the contract, in general I had no dilemma around an extension.
"I am happy at City, the manager believes in me, which is certainly important, and I give my all on the pitch and altogether it means quite a lot to me, because Manchester is a club with great ambitions and I easily decided to stay put."
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international thinks that Chelsea pose the greatest threat to City's chances of retaining their title, stating: "This season Chelsea might be the most serious challenger, but we mustn't ignore Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, or [Manchester] United, who will certainly be much stronger than last year. After all, everyone has gotten stronger, and everyone wants to be first."